The British website Middle East Eye reported that Turkey is preparing to establish an air defense base at the military airport “T4” near Palmyra in Homs, central Syria.
According to informed sources not named by the website, Ankara aims to build the base to target the Islamic State group and deter Israeli aerial attacks on Syria.
Middle East Eye stated yesterday, Tuesday, April 1, that construction plans for the site are underway.
According to the sources, an air defense system of the “Hisar” type will be deployed at “T4” airport to provide air cover for the base.
“Hisar” is a family of surface-to-air missile systems, short, medium, and long-range, developed by the companies Roketsan and Aselsan since 2007.
The “Hisar” missiles are considered an essential part of Turkey’s air defense system, consisting of three main types: “Hisar-A,” “Hisar-O,” and “Hisar-U,” also known as (SIPER).
Middle East Eye reported that once the system is installed, the base will be rebuilt and expanded with the necessary facilities.
It added that Ankara plans to deploy reconnaissance aircraft and armed drones, including those with expanded offensive capabilities.
The base is expected to help Turkey consolidate air control over the area and support its efforts in combating the Islamic State, which still has active cells in the Syrian desert.
Ankara also aims to establish a multi-layered air defense system at the base and around it, with short, medium, and long-range air defense capabilities against various threats, from jet fighters to drones and missiles.
The website noted that the presence of Turkish air defense systems and drones would likely deter Israel from launching airstrikes in the area.
Joint defense
Coinciding with the transitional Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Ankara to meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on February 4, Reuters reported that the two sides would hold talks regarding a joint defense agreement.
The discussions include the establishment of Turkish air bases in central Syria and training the new Syrian army.
According to unnamed sources to Reuters, this would allow Turkey to establish new air bases in Syria and use Syrian airspace for military purposes, alongside its role in training the new Syrian forces.
An intelligence official in the region, a Syrian security official, and a foreign security source residing in Damascus indicated that the talks would include establishing two Turkish bases in the Syrian desert.
Israel’s concerns
For its part, Israel is concerned about Turkey establishing military bases in Syria, viewing it as a “potential threat.”
Yesterday, the Israeli Jerusalem newspaper reported, citing an unnamed security source, that the establishment of a Turkish air base in Syria would undermine Israel’s freedom of action, considering it a “potential threat.”
According to the newspaper, the Israeli political and security leadership has held several discussions in recent weeks regarding concerns about deepening Turkish intervention in Syria.
These concerns are linked to the possibility of the Turkish government establishing military bases in Syria.
Turkey moves to deploy air defense system in Syria Enab Baladi.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Turkey moves to deploy air defense system in Syria )
Also on site :
- Taiwan says US tariffs 'highly unreasonable'
- New Zealand banned phones in schools 12 months ago. Here’s what happened
- Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play